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Thomas Paine

To argue with a person who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead.

Saturday, January 17, 2015

17 Jan - Blogs I'm Following

10:41pm MST

Rabbi Arthur Waskow : Is murder a “sacred practice” in ALL religions?

Thorne Dreyer at The Rag Blog - 31 minutes ago
Why are there streaks of both blood and love in the histories of religious communities? By Rabbi Arthur Waskow | The Rag Blog | January 18, 2015 The murderous attacks in France last week have called forth a mixture of … finish reading Rabbi Arthur Waskow : Is murder a “sacred practice” in ALL religions?

Gangnam Style

Oberon at GlobaLove Think Tank - 33 minutes ago

Domestic Politics, Climate Change, and International Ambition

Josh Busby at Duck of Minerva - 36 minutes ago
Last fall, I wrote about how the U.S. government was insisting that any climate mitigation commitments agreed to in the 2015 Paris climate negotiations be non-binding political pledges. I argued that was appropriate because the high bar for treaty ratification in the U.S. Senate made legally binding commitments unlikely. This kind of soft “pledge and Continue reading

Sick and Tired

theozarker at The Conflicted Doomer - 40 minutes ago
I’m sick; it’s not fatal, but I’m more tired than I can remember in my life. So I’m going to the doctor on Tuesday and I’ll see my regular readers here on the blog next Saturday. Have a lovely week.

Ready For Cuba? Is Cuba Ready For You?

DownWithTyranny at DownWithTyranny! - 41 minutes ago
The U.S. airlines don't have their shit together when it comes to the lucrative market opening between the U.S. and Cuba. This morning, the *NY Times* reported that the major airlines are missing the initial rush. initial: first year on the lifting of the travel restrictions. [B]efore airlines can schedule direct flights to Havana and other airports, the two countries must still negotiate a new air service agreement. Until that happens, travelers will have to rely on charter flights booked through specialized travel agencies, and that is not expected to change for the next 12 to... more »

A glimpse into a powerful hasbara organization

The Realist Report at The Realist Report - 1 hour ago
*The Times of Israel* recently ran a story offering readers a glimpse into a powerful, and quite effective, *hasbara* organization operating in the heart of Washington, DC. *The Israel Project*, which operates on a $7.5 million annual budget, *"is passionately committed to Israel and the Jewish people,"* according to associate dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, Rabbi Abraham Cooper, who was quoted in the article. Josh Block is a frenetic, sharp-tongued, non-stop PR machine with a preternatural ability to spit out facts and figures that bolster the case of the Jewish State. Since 2... more »

How many of the "World's Best Places for 2015" do you plan to hit this year?

KenInNY at DownWithTyranny! - 3 hours ago
*Pretoria Square, Palermo* *Recitative, Giovanni da Procida* Palermo! O my country! Country so regretted! The exile greets thee after three years of absence! On thy enchanted shores I had my birth. I discharge my debt toward thee. Here is liberty! *Aria, "E toi, Palerme!" ("E tu, Palermo!")* And thou, Palermo, o beauty that's outraged! Thou, always dear to my enchanted eyes, ah! raise thy face, bowed under servitude, and become again the queen of cities! Everywhere on foreign ground I went seeking avengers for thee, but, insensible to thy misery, each said: "Rise up against your oppressor... more »

Republican Puts $2,500 Bounty on Transgender Children

Zoe Brain at A.E.Brain - 4 hours ago
Republican Puts $2,500 Bounty on Transgender People | Alternet Think Progress breaks down the insanity: The bill provides that any student who encounters “a person of the opposite biological sex” in a bathroom or locker room shall have a legal cause of action if it’s because the school gave the trans student permission or didn’t explicitly prohibit the trans student from using thatfacility. The “aggrieved” student would be entitled to $2,500 from the offending school “for each instance” he or she encountered a trans student in a sex-divided facility in addition to monetary damages “... more »

The Economy: “'Pin' Meet 'Housing Bubble 2.0'”

noreply@blogger.com (CoyotePrime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 4 hours ago
*“'Pin' Meet 'Housing Bubble 2.0'”* by Jim Quinn “The 30 Year U.S. Treasury bond yield hit 2.35% yesterday. That is the lowest rate in U.S. history for the 30 Year Treasury. During the deepest darkest depths of the recession in March 2009, after the stock market had fallen over 50%, the yield was 3.5%. One year ago it was yielding 4.0%. Long term interest rates are not controlled by Yellen. They reflect the economic prospects of the country. When they are rising it means the economy is doing well. When they are plummeting to all time lows, the economy is either in recession or head... more »

Silent Weapons for Quiet Wars: VITAL READING

D ... Breaking The Silence at Removing The Shackles - 5 hours ago
This is a document that the public need to read- the truth of how this economic "crisis" was driven on purpose, to enslave the people of the world. This delves into the reason for computers, energy control, that modern education was created to control children and to brain wash them. Banking is the control. This week I realized that we are witnessing the opening salvos of World War III.... ...Upon reading this, I realize that WWIII actually started a long time ago. What we are witnessing is it's END. d Rothschild Brothers of London, 1863. "*Give me control of a nation's money a... more »

Alex Jones, “Dr. Paul Craig Roberts Discusses Current Events”

noreply@blogger.com (CoyotePrime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 5 hours ago
“Dr. Paul Craig Roberts Discusses Current Events” Alex Jones talks with expert Dr. Paul Craig Roberts about current events, and the coming collapse and when he thinks it will happen. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uXTmoyIAUg&list=TLJu1bT_QXKIc

Awakening the Warrior

D ... Breaking The Silence at Removing The Shackles - 6 hours ago
It is funny how certain words are triggers. Not in the way of words like "hate" or "racist", "Love" or "beauty", but in a way that seems to become more powerful at a certain moment in time. A word can be seen and heard as just a word.... and yet suddenly that same word can become something bigger.... something more than just a mere word. In that instant it can become a beacon that shines out and into each one of us, penetrating our armor and bringing for an unexpected emotional response that seems to sing from within our very consciousness. Sometimes the singing is subtle, grow... more »

People are freaking out all over the world

Steve at Thinking Aboot - 6 hours ago
Not content with suicide they want to make the news. Thats a tough problem to handle but as the people at NASA say nothing is impossible so lets invest that way because more than a colony at Mars I want to go to a coffe shop without AK 47

Be a contrarion to make money

Steve at Thinking Aboot - 6 hours ago
The Swiss Franc debaulbe is the icing on the cake of the Peak Oil base. Whatever they tell you in public is the thing you must invest against most in private.

Are Americans Uncomfortable With Soldiers Who Served As Snipers?

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 6 hours ago
*Chris Mark, NRO:* *Smearing Snipers: What Many Americans Don’t Get about Our Warrior Elite* *We should be proud of men like Chris Kyle, not skittish or ashamed.* *WNU Editor:* The above video is on Taya Kyle and "American Sniper". Interestingly .... in Russia .... the men who have served as snipers are revered .... something that* even Hollywood realized a few years back*. *Update:* Maybe the culture is changing .... *‘American Sniper’ Makes Eastwood’s Friday With $30.5M, Can It Hit $80M By Monday?* – Saturday Update (Hollywood Deadline). *Update #2:* Saw the movie .... not an e... more »

Did Bernie Sanders Team Up With Goldman Sachs? Of Course Not

DownWithTyranny at DownWithTyranny! - 7 hours ago
There are a dozen Republican kooks on the Senate Budget Committee, all right-wing ideologues who worship at the alter of low taxes for the wealthy and torture for ordinary working families. All 12-- Mike Enzi (WY-chair), Chuck Grassely (IA), Jeff Sessions (AL), Mike Crapo (ID), Lindsey Graham (SC), Rob Portman (OH), Pat Toomey (PA), Ron Johnson (WI), Kelly Ayotte (NH), Roger Wicker (MS), Bob Corker (TN) and David Perdue (GA)-- are advocates of Europe's disastrously-failed Austerity agenda. To counter the right-wing insanity, the Democrats have 10 members on the committee and they ... more »

These Are The Weapons That The Pentagon Should Retire ASAP

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 7 hours ago
*Photo: *A Minuteman-III missile in its silo. Wikipedia *Dave Majumdar, National Interest*: 4 U.S. Weapons of War That Need to Be Retired Now *America's military sports some of the finest weapons imaginable. However, there are a few exceptions...* *WNU Editor:* No argument from me on these four .... I would add a few more but I will be spending a good part of my day listing them.

Charlie Hebdo - The Hidden Agenda Exposed

Mars Daniels at Global Political Awakening - 7 hours ago
By SCG The details of the Charlie Hebdo shooting almost don't matter because the agenda is moving forward. We don't have to speculate as to how this event is going to be used. It has already started and it's becoming plain to see. Visit StormCloudsGathering.com *Get truth delivered to your inbox every week.* Subscribe to GLOBAL POLITICAL AWAKENING by Email

Jan. 17: Mea culpa - and I apologize to David Gauvin....

Graeme Decarie at The Moncton Times@Transcript - Good and Bad - 7 hours ago
Several days ago, I was angered by a news story in the NewsToday section that violated a basic principle of journalism. A news story exists only to tell us what happened, not to tell us what to think about it. But NewsToday carried a major story about the Paris shootings which opened with a highly emotive sentence designed to create hatred rather than to tell us what happened. I wrote to the ombudsman about this, and received an excellent response. She agreed with my point, and investigated how this happened, and reminded staff that this is wrong. Then she noted my comment that the... more »

WTHell? Muslim Call to Prayer Broadcast at UCLA?...

Adrienne at Adrienne's Corner - 7 hours ago
*how about broadcasting a rosary, too.* This is nauseating. Posted by Jim Hoft on YouTube: This video was taken in front of the student activities center on the north side of the UCLA campus near the athletic field off Sunset Boulevard. Frida's Islamic call to prayer. Hat Tip Avi Yeah, I know. Something else I can't do anything about. Down girl...

It makes perfect sense

Peter Cresswell at Not PC - 8 hours ago
[image: Posted with Blogsy]Posted with Blogsy Content is copyright PC.BlogSpot.Com © Please contact author for permission to republish: (organon at ihug.co.nz)

A Shift In Terror Targets?

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 8 hours ago
*Shane Harris, Daily Beast:* *US Spies Expected Airline Bombs–And Got The Paris Attacks Instead* *WNU Editor:* I will have to disagree with Shane Harris on this one. Updating this blog has exposed me to many news and blog reports on worries from the intelligence community that Al Qaeda and their affiliated groups would one day resort to mass shootings and high casualty bomb attacks .... on the level of the *Mumbai terror attacks in 2008* or the *Beslan terror attacks in 2004* .... and the concern was more on when was this going to happen and not on if it was going to happen. In hi... more »

Is Qi the Same Thing as Bioelectricity?

WakingTimes at Waking Times - 8 hours ago
*Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming* - It is important that you know about the progress that has been made by modern science in the study of Qi. The post Is Qi the Same Thing as Bioelectricity? appeared first on Waking Times.

Russia & The West : The More Things Change...

Spike EP at News Spike - 8 hours ago
Russia & the West : The More Things Change... - The Life & Times of Vitaly Churkin from Spike EP on Vimeo.

A Discussion On The Future Of Afghanistan

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 8 hours ago
Image Credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Kyle Davis (Released) *Ankit Panda, The Diplomat*: *Is Afghanistan Prepared for 2015 and Beyond?* *The Diplomat speaks with Col. James L. Creighton (U.S. Army, Ret.) about Afghanistan’s security challenges.* *WNU Editor: *An interesting discussion .... if you have 30 minutes to spare .... it is worth listening to.

Bill Whittle: The Road to Hell...

Adrienne at Adrienne's Corner - 9 hours ago
*you know the rest.*

Cancer $creening Doesn’t Save Lives, Meta-Study Reveals

WakingTimes at Waking Times - 9 hours ago
*Sayer Ji* - Should we be looking for disease in people who don't have any symptoms? A large new study indicates the answer is NO. The post Cancer $creening Doesn’t Save Lives, Meta-Study Reveals appeared first on Waking Times.

The most fiscally responsible country

Greg Mankiw at Greg Mankiw's Blog - 9 hours ago
As seen by Larry Kotlikoff.

How To Become a Lucid Dreamer

WakingTimes at Waking Times - 9 hours ago
*Gloria Eagle* - The art and science of lucid dreaming was an important part of the culture of old civilizations and still is practiced in many tribal societies. The post How To Become a Lucid Dreamer appeared first on Waking Times.

Dolphins Have Human-Like Intelligence and Their Own ‘Language’

WakingTimes at Waking Times - 9 hours ago
*Anna LeMind* - Scientists used MRI scanners to map the brains of dolphins and then compared the received data with that of other intelligent mammals... The post Dolphins Have Human-Like Intelligence and Their Own ‘Language’ appeared first on Waking Times.

Pilsen: it's no easy task to install new bells

Luboš Motl at The Reference Frame - 9 hours ago
If you need to install new bells to the St Bartholomew's Cathedral, it is harder than to overwrite a few MP3 files by new ones. *The logo has been optimized for those artists who haven't quite learned the digit "5" yet. It's replaced by a more intuitive character.* You need the new physical bells (I was actually there also when the bells – paid for by private sponsors – were installed to the cathedral some month or two ago), a son of film director Miloš Forman (named Petr) as the director of the show, you need lots of big LCD displays, projectors for a monstrous videomapping on C... more »

Your Body on Cannabis

WTStaff at Waking Times - 10 hours ago
*Video - *A short documentary that gives an overview of cannabis varieties, modes of consumption, as well as its positive and negative effects on the body. The post Your Body on Cannabis appeared first on Waking Times.

Crimea Has The Second-Highest Inflation Rate In The World

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 10 hours ago
*Bloomberg:* *Why Crimea Now Has the Second-Highest Inflation Rate in the World* *My Comment: *Ukraine is not making life easy for them .... transporting goods into Crimea from Ukraine is difficult at best, and tourists are definitely not coming to visit the peninsula. Until the land bridge is built between Crimea and Russia as well as the transmission lines necessary for electricity .... life is going to be hard and expensive in Crimea. The ones who are really benefiting from all of this are the smugglers. On a side note .... Ukraine also has economic problems .... problems that h... more »

Peering over rose-tinted glasses

Craig at Is the BBC biased? - 11 hours ago
Talking about anti-Semitism, and clicking on what looked like an interesting discussion on *Woman's Hour....* There was a *Woman's Hour *discussion this week between journalist Angela Epstein (worried about anti-Semitism in the UK) and Dr Jonathan Boyd of Reading University (nowhere near as worried, and rather more worried for other minorities, apparently - and I think we can guess who he means). I thought it might be interesting, in the interests of disinterested blogging, to quote all of presenter Dame Jenni Murray's questions here, following her sceptical-sounding introduction ... more »

Desperate Drumbeat For War Against Iran Intensifies As Netanyahu Faces Electoral Defeat In Israel

DownWithTyranny at DownWithTyranny! - 11 hours ago
Although the latest polling from Israel-- all the latest polling from Israel show Israeli's have grown disenchanted with Netanyahu's far right Likud Party and are on the verge of handing over the government to the center-left Zionist Camp, run by Isaac Herzog Labor Party and Tzipi Livni's more centrist Hatnua. Still, many Israel-firsters in the U.S. Senate are rushing to shove Obama's delicate negotiations with Iran under the bus with more sanctions designed to enrage Iran's hardliners and scuttle the talks. Likud puppets Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Robert Melendez (D-NJ) are leading the ... more »

Drone Aerial Footage Shows The Destruction Of The Airport At Donetsk

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 11 hours ago
From* The Guardian*: Aerial footage purports to show the destruction in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk. The airport, which is the scene of ongoing fighting, lies in ruins and the bodies of destroyed planes can be seen lying in the snow. The footage is believed to have been taken on Thursday by Army SOS, a citizen collective that raises funds for the Ukrainian military *Update:* The bottom video shows pro-Russian rebels in the terminal building .... but they under fire.

Heavy Fighting Reported At Ukraine's Donetsk Airport

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 11 hours ago
*Bloomberg Businessweek*: *Pro-Russian Rebels Pound Ukrainian Positions at Donetsk Airport* *WNU Editor:* The war has definitely returned to eastern Ukraine. *More News On The Ukraine Conflict* Ukrainian army denies claims of alleged militants' control over Donetsk airport -- Interfax-Ukraine Fighting rages anew at Ukraine airport, three soldiers killed -- Reuters E. Ukraine Fighting Kills Soldiers, Civilians -- VOA Fighting in eastern Ukraine kills three soldiers -- AFP Six Ukrainian soldiers killed, fighting rages at airport: Kiev officials -- Reuters 11 killed in eastern Ukraine... more »

Curse of Oak Island - An Expanded History Part III

KRandle at A Different Perspective - 12 hours ago
(Blogger's Note: Early postings about this follow. The entire article is more than 12,000 words and should contain a good history of Oak Island.) *Another Company Takes Over the Operation* A new company, the Oak Island Contract Company was formed, attempted to attract investors, and failed miserably. They estimated they needed about six thousand dollars, but couldn't raise it. When that failed, they abandoned their efforts. A year later, in May 1863, the Oak Island Eldorado Company was formed. The officers were the same as those in the Contract Company. They succeeded in raising ab...more »

Fort McMurray Sports Mecca

Way Way Up at Fort McMurray Adventures - 12 hours ago
I know many words come to mind when a person thinks of Fort McMurray. Some of them aren't always flattering. For me, personally, Fort McMurray is home. I live here, bought my first house here. My son was born here. The words "northern sports mecca" don't really spring to mind. But that seems to be what is happening here as our community is lined up to host several sporting events over the coming months. This March, Keyano College will play host to Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference's basketball championship. Next year, the college hosts the Canadian Colleges Athletic Asso... more »

Burning issue

sue at Is the BBC biased? - 12 hours ago
The BBC normally leaps into action at the slightest scuffle around the Temple Mount, so it seems odd that no-one is on hand to report this. H/T Daphne Anson "Burn it burn it! ..... in the cause of God. Allah the greatest. Prophet Muhammad is our leader forever." Does this mean that unless a Palestinian is hurt and the IDF or Israeli Jews are involved there’s no story? Not even if the black flag is flying.... on a holy site.....and the cry is Allahu Ackbar?

Why is The Pentagon Still Holding Back The Bergdahl Report?

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 12 hours ago
*Photo: *Bowe Robert Bergdahl *Lt. Col. Bill Cowan (ret.), FOX News*: *Is nervous Obama White House holding Bergdahl report hostage?* *WNU Editor:* U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey did say last week that he expected a decision "fairly soon" on whether to *court-martial Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl for desertion or possibly other charges* .... so I do expect some news soon.

Untitled

JR at GREENIE WATCH - 13 hours ago
*Low Gas Prices Not an Argument for a Carbon Tax* Almost before consumers began to reap the benefits of lower gasoline prices after a decade of pain at the pump, climate humbugs and their political lackeys started hinting now would be a good time for carbon or gasoline taxes. My response: There is never a good time for bad public policy! Astute political observer Marlo Lewis of the Competitive Enterprise Institute explains the benefits of lower fuel prices and why carbon taxes are both unnecessary and harmful to people and the economy. Fuel prices are down largely because of the ... more »

A post featuring everyone's favourite, Yasmin Alibhai Brown. How can you resist?

Craig at Is the BBC biased? - 13 hours ago
Today's *Dateline London *was a largely consensual affair, unfortunately. (Not entirely, but largely.) Instead of describing it in detail, I'll just transcribe bits of it, to give you a flavour of it. *** However, in advance of that, here's a pre-warning... Please watch out for Marc Roche doing the *Guardianista* 'society's to blame' thing to excuse young French Muslims for their anti-Semitism. Also look out for Herr Kielinger, with Gavin Esler's assistance, (repeatedly) giving Germany's Pegida movement a very firm 'thumbs down'... ...and for Yasmin AB doing her thing and outra... more »

Untitled

New Orleans Ladder at New Orleans Ladder - 13 hours ago
*Would Saints Pull an END-AROUND on Rob Ryan? ~Barry Hirstius* *News agency ousted from university after critical story ~Kevin McGill, AP* *State within a state, nation within a nation ~Your Right Hand Thief* *Report Reveal 1000+ Untested Rape Kits in La. ~NOLA DEFENDER* *Health dept. blocks abortions at New Orleans Planned Parenthood clinic ~WDSU* *Sheriff reaches short-term deal for OPP improvements ~Jim Mustian, New Orleans Advocate * *Northshore drainage project causing flood concern ~WWLTV*

Supplemental: It’s time for the Post’s Lyndsey Layton to go!

bob somerby at the daily howler - 13 hours ago
*SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015Along with her inhuman editors:* An astonishing headline adorns the front page of this morning’s Washington Post. The claim it makes is clownishly wrong. But so what? On this morning’s front page, it stretches across four columns. What kind of creatures are we humans? Plainly, we aren’t the “rational animal” Aristotle described long ago. Aristotle was clownishly wrong. In this morning’s hard-copy Washington Post, the headline in question says this: *“Most public school students now living in poverty”* The claim in that headline is clownishly wrong. But ... more »

Apps versus the Mobile Web

Martyn Daniels at Brave New World - 13 hours ago
Unlike that old question, ‘which came first, the chicken or the egg?’, we know the answer to which came first, the web site, or the app. But will this be the case in years to come and are we now starting to redefine the development process and presentation, not based on chronological order but on fast evolving mobile needs? The IBA have just published a survey they commissioned from Harris Poll, who collated the views of some 2,000 US adults in December 2014. The survey questions some of the conclusions made by an earlier comScore, which claimed that 88% of consumer mobile time is ... more »

Election Law? What Election Law?

Owen Gray at Northern Reflections - 14 hours ago
There has been lots of speculation recently about whether Stephen Harper will break his own fixed date election law -- for the second time. It's remarkable, Andrew Coyne writes, that a man who insisted on the law should have such little regard for it. What is even more remarkable is that Canadians -- in general -- also have little respect for the law: Not only does he not feel bound by it, but neither do the rest of us seem inclined to insist that he should. We have all somehow come to accept that it is perfectly normal, even acceptable, for the government — the government! — to d... more »

Musings On Iraq In The News

Joel Wing at MUSINGS ON IRAQ - 14 hours ago
My article on another Iranian dying in the fighting in Iraq was republished in Business Insider.During the week I was twice listed on Real Clear Politics' Real Clear Defense.

There is nothing extreme about anti-Islam groups

Luboš Motl at The Reference Frame - 14 hours ago
When the Western societies became secular, religion was largely downgraded to a personal spiritual issue of every individual that only affects his or her own decisions and not the lives of others, at least not directly. Christianity turned out to be capable of this transformation. This is not the case of Islam which keeps its very strong "political Islam" branch and wants to dictate how people should live, what they cannot do, what they cannot say or draw, what they learn about everything, who cannot win in the court, and who has to be stoned to death. That's why all citizens must ... more »

Where's the Outrage?

Karen Garcia at Sardonicky - 14 hours ago
Dissipated in the ozone, or in whatever wispy tendrils remain in the smoke of the smoking gun, that's where. This blockbuster was outrageously easy to miss, mainly because the corporate media chose to miss it: *Central Intelligence Agency Director John Brennan consulted the White House before directing agency personnel to sift through a walled-off computer drive being used by the Senate Intelligence Committee to construct its investigation of the agency’s torture program, according to a recently released report by the CIA’s Office of the Inspector General.* *The Inspector General’s ...more »

Chu Voted New KMT Chair, but the real reformer is Ko Wen-je

Michael Turton at The View from Taiwan - 14 hours ago
*Dragon God Temple.* Reuters reports: "China is comfortable with Chu taking charge of the KMT ... It has been trying to build mutual trust," said Tung Chen-yuan, a professor at the National Chengchi University and former vice chairman of Taiwan's China policy-making body. Chu was the only top politician who two high-level visiting Chinese officials met in 2014, a sign China is betting he will be the island's leader. "Xi Jinping is very happy to meet Chu and he is waiting," said a KMT source with knowledge of the situation, referring to China's president. Chu was not available fo... more »

Iran Caught Trying To Break Sanctions On Its Oil

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 14 hours ago
Press TV *Bloomberg: **Attempts Made to Disguise Iranian Oil Near U.A.E., Insurers Say * *WNU Editor:* Should we be surprised?!?!?!

Friday Nerd Blogging: Belated But Delightful Take on Harry Potter and Feminism

Steve Saideman at Duck of Minerva - 14 hours ago
Actually, the title for this post should refer to Hermione Granger since she is the one doing the smashing of patriarchy in this amusing and insightful take on feminism in the world of Harry Potter. The language is not safe for work.

That Very First Billboard Decoded in ''They Live'' Wasn’t Put There by Accident

Mars Daniels at Global Political Awakening - 14 hours ago
Aaron Dykes and Melissa Melton *They Live, We Sleep: How the Control of Data Allows an Invisible Government to Rule in Secret.* In the prescient and unsettling-but-realistically-surreal alter-reality *1988 cult classic They Live* directed by John Carpenter, there are many clues about the real-life police state scientific dictatorship we’re all living under today. Before the pivotal, iconic turning point when Rowdy Roddy Piper first puts on the Hoffman sunglasses and sees the very first subliminal billboard to “Obey,” there is another subtle message for the police state technocrac... more »

Protons Fuel Graphene Prospects

arclein at Terra Forming Terra - 14 hours ago
[image: Graphene allows protons to pass through it, contrary to previous thinking] This is a complete surprise and will allow for more discoveries and unique useful devices. I suspect that hydrogen handling will become much easier finally. That alone will make a range of technologies practical. This is really the smallest true screen ever made. Thus it should be used in simple protein doping experiments as well. As said it is all good news and unexpected. . * Protons fuel graphene prospects* *26 Nov 2014* * http://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/article/* *Graphene, i... more »

Is a Death Star Coming at Us?

arclein at Terra Forming Terra - 14 hours ago
Not a terribly useful report but then we have lousy data anyway. A hot invisible planet on an elliptic orbit could spoil things rather nicely and it would be not seen until it was close by. The same holds true if we are orbiting Sirius as i suspect we do. We know little about our orbit except we are traveling in the wrong direction and no one thinks this is important. It happens to conveniently explain certain phenomena, not otherwise explained. Either way we have a long time to wait and we well need it. .. *Is a Death Star Coming at Us? Study Says It's Possible, but Don't P... more »

Ancient mining in Swaziland

arclein at Terra Forming Terra - 14 hours ago
Curiously, I have no difficulty accepting these dates here. This area saw the first true humans working themselves up beginning around 50,000 years ago. Hematite and the associated minerals all worked for these early peoples. They were not smelting and at best they worked free gold when possible. Local claims may in fact be totally correct in assigning the mines to the Khoisan. These are peoples from those early times who have lived in an environment that did not bring newcomers easily. We have observed that from other sources, the end of Eden occurred close by aro... more »

Laser Weapon System Is Ready For War, Less Than $1/Shot

arclein at Terra Forming Terra - 14 hours ago
[image: Navy’s Futuristic Laser Weapon System Is Ready For War, Costs Less Than $1/Shot] From all this it is clear that the technology is totally operational and completely suitable for installation on future star ships. In the meantime it will likely become a go to weapon on all warships as quickly as possible. Notice the word instantaneous. That means that one acquires a target and fires with no mechanical delays whatsoever. Or at least that is what is clearly possible. This still does not tear apart armor plate too well but then little does. That is why it is called arm... more »

Energy has Ten Times Bigger Role Than Cost

arclein at Terra Forming Terra - 14 hours ago
The effect of energy has been grossly underestimated almost from the beginning, mostly because it disappears as a line element in every step of hte production process. It is the one persuasive element used everywhere and represent at least an eigth of our measured economic throughput. The real question today is what does adjustment look like when all energy costs essentially disappear and the economy suddenly recieves a ten percent cash relief on all costs. This continues to sound impossible to most, but we are demonstrating it now. What it does means is that the costs of al... more »

Russia's T-14 Armata Main Battle Tank

arclein at Terra Forming Terra - 14 hours ago
I am sure that these are not meant to to stand up to NATO hardware particularly well except as a gun platform were fire weight matters. It will likely convert easily into a robot managed system which is the real next generation here. What it can do is be sold in huge volumes to just about every old customer and that is the main reason to bring this system out. Thus i expect it to sell well. Russia was certainly overdue for a serious modernization of their battle hardware. Otherwise it looks like a neat efficient design with a huge gun. *Russia's T-14 Armata Main Battle... more »

Avoid the Golden Handcuffs, Warns CEO of Venture for America

arclein at Terra Forming Terra - 14 hours ago
[image: Andrew Yang, Venture America CEO. (Benjamin Chasteen/Epoch Times)] Yes, there is something wrong with the system. What it also produces is an abundance of aged out professionals who all performed but whose core skill set has often aged out or merely gone away as industry changed. The breakout for all happens to be attention to innovation and innovative enterprise. The problem is that a high income locks everyone into long term mortgages with inflexible time horizons. We have addressed aspects of this before and it is completely solvable through a better designed communi... more »

Radiation Treatment Leads To Increased Malignancy

arclein at Terra Forming Terra - 14 hours ago
This finding is hardly a surprise. I am more surprised that it took so long for the good old boys to figure this out. At the time this technology was put out there, it was early days for nuclear power and the technology was a solution out looking for a problem. That radiation could be introduced to a tumor allowed the negative effects to be concentrated enough to kill most of the tumor and sometimes all of it. That radiation could also cause cancer was also well known. That the tool lacked much in the way of precision was also well known. A good analogy would be conduc... more »

News Twitter Feeds From UPI And New York Post Hacked. Posted Tweets That War Had Broken Out Against China

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 15 hours ago
ABC News: *News Outlet Twitter Hacks Falsely Report Military Conflict With China* Update:* Navy: China has not attacked U.S. aircraft carrier* -- Navy Times *WNU Editor:* Everyone is having a good laugh right now .... but last week the Islamic State *hacked Centcom's social media accounts* and put up some obvious propaganda .... but what would have happened if they had did something else .... something more insidious .... like posting the tweets that were posted at UPI and the New York Post .... or something worse like a bulletin that a nuclear device had gone off at one of their ... more »

How to Lose Friends on Social Media: Question Authority

Mars Daniels at Global Political Awakening - 15 hours ago
Pawel Art James Holbrooks I’m gonna lose friends. I realize now it’s inevitable. Not real friends. The real stuff is forged from memories and adamantium. I’m not worried about that. No, the friends I’m destined to lose are the type that can simply click a button and disappear me from their timeline. I’ve been on Facebook since Christmas—as in three weeks ago. I’m sure that’s hilarious to some. But it was always a conscious decision not to partake, and I stand by it. In the end there were two reasons that finally got me to pull the trigger. One was the very simple fact that I’ve... more »

Why The News Media Sucks

Mars Daniels at Global Political Awakening - 15 hours ago
By The Amazing Atheist YouTuber The Amazing Atheist breaks down why the news media sucks and who is primarily to blame for the stank quality. The answer may surprise you and reveals why alternative media has a very difficult time remaining unbiased. Visit the Amazing Atheist on Tumblr *Get truth delivered to your inbox every week.* Subscribe to GLOBAL POLITICAL AWAKENING by Email

Health Care Coverage Shouldn't Be Political

DownWithTyranny at DownWithTyranny! - 15 hours ago
Sooner or later, we all need health insurance. OK, maybe the 1% doesn't... but everyone else. When I was a divisional president of TimeWarner, I got the most platinum-plated health insurance money could buy. They took good care of their top executives. When my lawyer told me what they were giving me insurance-wise-- without even having to negotiate-- I was stunned. Even after I retired, they took incredibly good care of my insurance needs. And then I became eligible for Medicare and I was on my own. Well, not really on my own. I was on Medicare. And, I mean this literally: Medicare... more »

US to buy Russian Rockets: The $30,000 Toilet Seat

D ... Breaking The Silence at Removing The Shackles - 15 hours ago
Houston, We have a problem. In the past few months we've witnessed 2 different accidents in the realm of "space" technology. Both accidents involved corporations that are not "NASA" nor the usual suspects in the areas of rockets and space flight. Both have left many unanswered (or unconvincingly answered) questions as to why. Being a long time Science Fiction reader, I have lamented and ranted at the perceived stupidity of the entire global space programs accomplishments. Are we seriously still making rockets that are completely antiquated. That even a 7 year old can point out... more »

An old question answered

Craig at Is the BBC biased? - 15 hours ago
I almost forgot to mention... When the BBC's since-hastily-changed Editorial Guidelines banning any depiction of "the Prophet Mohammed" became widely-known just over a week ago, I found (in passing) the answer to a question I've vaguely wondered about for years. I once did a major study of a BBC Education correspondents reports, ploughing through scores and scores of them. Given that most of her articles had accompanying images, I began to notice that a large proportion of them used stock photos of school pupils and university students. What was interesting about them was that ... more »

Media: the most shocking interview that ''never happened''

Mars Daniels at Global Political Awakening - 15 hours ago
Jon Rappoport Suppose a reporter interviewed players behind the scenes re the question: who really runs the US government? Who really sets national policy? A legit interview. Actual people. Actual quotes. Not just a circumstantial case. And suppose these players answered the big questions directly and unmistakably? And then…nothing happened. No further coverage. No media hounds let loose to dig further. No government investigation. Nothing. Well, it’s true. There was an interview. The questions were asked and answered. There was no tap-dancing or beating around the bush or... more »

Security is Not a Crime—Unless You're an Anarchist

Mars Daniels at Global Political Awakening - 15 hours ago
Anthony Freda Art Nadia Kayyali and Katitza Rodriguez Riseup, a tech collective that provides security-minded communications to activists worldwide, sounded the alarm last month when a judge in Spain stated that the use of their email service is a practice, he believes, associated with terrorism. Javier Gómez Bermúdez is a judge of Audiencia Nacional, a special high court in Spain that deals with serious crimes such as terrorism and genocide. According to press reports, he ordered arrest warrants that were carried out on December 16th against alleged members of an anarchist group... more »

Iraq / Syria Regional War Update ( January 17-18 , 2015 Weekend Report ) - Fast moving battlefront and political news on Iraq and Syria .... Regional items such as the ironic Saudi 600 mile wall , items of note from Lebanon , Turkey , Israel ..... Updated as relevant

Fred Walton at Catharsis Ours - 16 hours ago
Anti War.... Pentagon: 1,000 Troops to Train ‘Moderate’ Syrian Rebel ForceFirst Troops Heading to Qatar to Begin Training by Jason Ditz, January 16, 2015 Print This | Share This The Pentagon has offered some of the first details of the long-standing plan to create a new “moderate” Syrian rebel force out of wholecloth to fight both ISIS and the Assad government. Officials say the program is going to involve around 1,000 troops, split between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar.400 troops are said to be heading for Qatar to begin the training. Though it was initially believed the training w... more »

The Incompetent Scum-Bags Dither

thwap at thwap's schoolyard - 16 hours ago
So, the Great Economist/Warrior leader is having his finance minister delay the budget. It appears that our Great Economist/Warrior leader is as big a coward on facing the economy as he is facing down terrorists. Unthinking right-wing fuck-faces used to crow about harper's sterling handling of the economy. During the 2008 - Present financial crisis, Canada's banks only needed an injection of $114 of taxpayer's money to save them from their own mistakes. The dollar was strong. Deficits were low. Unemployment was low. The economy grew. In reality, harper hadn't had the time to free C... more »

Musical Interlude: Liquid Mind, “Liquid Mind II: Slow World”

noreply@blogger.com (CoyotePrime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 16 hours ago
Liquid Mind, “Liquid Mind II: Slow World” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJneKrKbWTQ

Is A Popular Resistance Against The Islamic State Growing?

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 16 hours ago
The men were blindfolded and led to the centre of a public square where they were shot or beheaded *Daily Mail: **ISIS behead and shoot dead 17 people in desperate bid to maintain control of Syrian 'caliphate' in the face of growing acts of rebellion* * ISIS murdered 17 civilians after the terror group suffered several losses * Unknown forces have been involved in hit-and-run attacks against ISIS * The terror group executed 17 civilians in response to the recent losses * ISIS is being targeted in its Deir al-Zor stronghold along the Euphrates * Syrian state media claims there is 'p... more »

Paris attack highlights Europe's struggle with Islamism per BBC News but the biggest worry is, Islamophobia

Not a sheep at Not a sheep - 16 hours ago
This BBC report http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-30717728 ends as any good BBC politically correct article would. 'But the potential backlash, including support for far right parties and groups, may well hurt ordinary Muslims more than anyone else, leaving the authorities and religious leaders in western Europe wondering how to confront violence in the name of religion without victimizing minorities or being accused of 'Islamophobia'.' Yes for the BBC ordinary Muslims are hurt more by a' potential' backlash than cartoonists and Jews are by being murdered. The BBC really are... more »

Europe's flashpoints ( January 17 - 18 , 2015 ) - Greece , Russia / Ukraine , Switzerland and ECB in Focus !

Fred Walton at Catharsis Ours - 16 hours ago
Tweets...... *MacroPolis* @MacroPolis_gr · 2h2 hours ago The bad hand being dealt to Greece's next government. @NickMalkoutzis on what lies in store after elections http://shar.es/1btYNQ #Greece *MacroPolis* @MacroPolis_gr · 3h3 hours ago Our latest e-newsletter, looking at how things are lining up for the Greek elections, is out. #Greece [image: Embedded image permalink] Keep Talking Greece retweeted *Yannis Koutsomitis* @YanniKouts · 2h2 hours ago 'Jihadi plans for Belgium attacks were coordinated by an ex-Syria fighter based in Greece': expert http://bit.ly/1ITmCG... more »

ISIS and AL Qaeda teaming up to target West ? France first , UK and US next ? Hard to believe based upon past rivalries - but maybe that's what the Groups wanted people to believe ?

Catharsis Ours - 16 hours ago
Former Taliban member jumping on ISIS train ? *fred walton* ‏@fredwalton216 6m 6 minutes ago Former Pakistani Taliban militants join ISIS, video shows http:// ara.tv/w8cgj via @AlArabiya_EngISIS making inroads with Taliban ? Al Arabiya English [image: View this content on Al Arabiya English's website] Former Pakistani Taliban militants join ISIS, video shows By Al Arabiya English @AlArabiya_Eng An online video purportedly shows dozens of former militants of the Pakistani Taliban pledging View on web *fred walton* ‏@fredwalton216 2m 2 minutes ago @fredwalton216 Fwiw - Might be ... more »

Reassuring voices on the BBC

Craig at Is the BBC biased? - 16 hours ago
As someone who looks in on the *Times of Israel *from time to time, I spotted an article there by Laura Janner-Klausner, the Senior Rabbi to Reform Judaism in the UK. She strongly rejects the findings of the Campaign Against Antisemitism's report, which we discussed earlier in the week. The report suggested surprisingly high levels of Antisemitism in the UK, rising anxiety among British Jews, and a growing percentage (some 25%) saying they are considering leaving the UK. Rabbi Laura doesn't believe the report. She thinks it's poorly-researched and that it shows "a disconnect bet... more »

Untitled

jonjayray at EDUCATION WATCH INTERNATIONAL - 16 hours ago
*"Progressive" self defense* Looking to “empower” school children should the terrible occasion occur when a shooter enters school property, a middle school in Alabama is looking for ways to arm their students. Now, their suggested “weapons” are causing many to say “Huh?” In a letter to parents, principal Priscilla Holley and assistant principal Donna Bell ask parents to send their child to school with an “8 oz. canned food item,” The New York Daily News reports. The letter acknowledges the request is odd, though provides an explanation for its reasoning: “[I]t is a practic... more »

Former Drug Addicts and Criminals Help Rebuild Their Community

WTStaff at Waking Times - 17 hours ago
*Video - *Amazing, inspirational video of how The Urban Farming Guys transformed one of the poorest, most dangerous zip codes in the US into a thriving, almost crime-free, sustainable community. The post Former Drug Addicts and Criminals Help Rebuild Their Community appeared first on Waking Times.

Europeans Are Not Amused By John Kerry's 'You Got A Friend' Performance

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 17 hours ago
Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo (L) and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry listen to a performance by singer James Taylor at City Hall in Paris January 16, 2015. REUTERS/Rick Wilking *The Guardian: **US to France: you've got a placating, condescending friend in us * *Previous Post:* U.S. Secretary of State Brings James Taylor To His French News Conference To Sing 'You Got A Friend' *WNU Editor*: European commentary to this event has been universal .... it is one of those WTF moments .... and yes .... this John Kerry (what the hell was he thinking) story has been covered extensively i... more »

A Muscovite's View Of The Coming Year

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 18 hours ago
*Ivan Sukhov, Moscow Times*:* Russians Are Sleepwalking Into Chaos* *WNU Editor: *I could have written this article from my own personal perspective. On a personal note .... the above is a picture of a very young me (September 26, 1993).

People give their lives just so that a few fat cats can make a killing.

Mike Philbin at Mike Philbin's free planet blog - 18 hours ago
remember, people, this is a purring War World and you are nothing more than a chess piece on the fat-cat table, collateral in the fat-cat death arena, a tick or cross in some fat-cat's profit/loss report. "Leave this place better than you found it," means NO MORE FAT CATS slow-killing mice for fun.

Croatia to sell surplus military aircraft

Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 19 hours ago
[image: Mi-24 Hind]Croatia is looking to sell a wide range of its surplus Croatian Air Force aircraft, with the state-owned Alan Agency issuing a new call to tender. The country hopes to sell seven Mil Mi-24V 'Hind' attack helicopters (manufactured from 1978 to 1987), two Antonov An-32B 'Curl' tactical transport aircraft (manufactured in 1991 and 1993), and six Pilatus PC-9 turboprop trainer aircraft (three PC-9s manufactured between 1986 and 1991 and three PC-Ms built in 1993). The aircraft have been offered for sale individually or in batches. The country has set a deadline of 28... more »

HAL hands over indigenous fighter jet Tejas to IAF after 32 years

Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 19 hours ago
[image: Tejas LCA]After a delay of 32 years, country's sole military aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Saturday handed over the Tejas Series Production-1 (LCA-SP1) to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Air Chief Marshal Anup Raha at a low-key ceremony in Bengaluru. The Indian Air Force (IAF), which has waited long enough and had issues with the LCA in the past, will now finally use the indigenously-built Light Combat Aircraft. On January 10, 2011 when the aircraft got its initial operational clearance, then chief of air staff Air chief Marshal P V Nai... more »

Russia's unmanned next generation fighter is being based off the MIG Skat Stealth UCAV prototype

Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 19 hours ago
[image: Skat UCAS]Russian designers are proceeding with development of an unmanned "sixth-generation" fighter jet, according to former Air Force chief Pyotr Deinekin. "The sixth generation of aircraft will most likely be pilotless. Naturally, we are actively working on this, "Deinekin said in an interview with RIA Novosti. Russian military aircraft maker MiG said in May it was ready to go ahead with a research and development project for an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) based on its Skat prototype, after signing a deal with the Trade and Industry Ministry. Read more

Canada's navy to get 5 or 6 Arctic ships, not 8

Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 19 hours ago
[image: Arctic patrol ship]Seven years after announcing a plan to buy Arctic patrol ships for the navy, the Conservative government announced Friday it has signed a contract guaranteeing delivery of five of the vessels, with the possibility of a sixth, if the shipyard can pull it off. The announcement put an end — finally — to the pretext the government could buy as many as eight ships within the $3.1-billion budget set in 2007 for the Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ship program. The questions of cost and quantity have been alive for years, and doubts about the program's ability to produce ... more »

Russia makes further submarine offer

Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 19 hours ago
[image: Project 636 (Kilo) class SSK]After failing to secure a contract for the procurement of new submarines several years ago, the Russian government has again approached the Indonesian government to offer Kilo Class Type 636 submarines to bolster the country’s maritime defense system. Defense Ministry spokesperson Col. Djundan said that on Thursday Russian ambassador MY Galuzin had met with Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu to discuss military and defense partnerships between the two countries. “Russia is ready to provide several important weapons systems, including the Type 636... more »

Navy on Pace to Integrate Women on Submarines Despite Criminal Probe

Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 19 hours ago
[image: USS Wyoming (SSBN-742)]The Navy has not delayed its plan to integrate enlisted female sailors into the submarine fleet despite an ongoing investigation into an incident aboard the USS Wyoming where female submariners were secretly video-taped undressing and showering. It is believed that as many as 12 Navy sailors could face charges in connection with the incident, which was first reported in December by Navy Times. The videos, recorded over a one year period and then distributed, are believed to show at least three female officers while showering or undressing, according t... more »

Former Soviet Leader Gorbachev Is Interviewed By Spiegel On The Current State Of East - West Relations

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 19 hours ago
In an interview with SPIEGEL, former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev warns of tensions between Russia and the West: "Things could blow up at any time if we don't act. The loss of trust is disastrous. Moscow no longer believes the West and the West doesn't believe Moscow." Gorbachev is pictured here at the headquarters of his foundation in Moscow. Denis Sinyakov/ DER SPIEGEL *Interview Conducted by Matthias Schepp and Britta Sandberg, Spiegel Online*: *Gorbachev Interview: 'I Am Truly and Deeply Concerned'* *WNU Editor:* This is actually a good interview .... and much of what he say... more »

Saturday Interview: Mark Wright

Phil at All That Is Solid ... - 19 hours ago
Mark Wright is 26 year-old activist from East Hertfordshire. He's also been registered blind for 10 years. Nevertheless, Mark is an avid commentator on social media where you can find him discussing politics, anarchism/libertarian socialism, and the thin gruel that is Everton's footballing success. He blogs at the way i see things and tweets here. *Why did you decide to give blogging a go?* At the time it seemed just to be taking off. A good way of sharing my ideas and thoughts and feelings on various current affairs and my own personal opinions. A way of connecting with likeminded... more »

Sixth Type 052D destroyer leaves Jiangnan Shipyard

Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 19 hours ago
[image: Kunming DDG]The Nanjing, China's sixth Type 052D guided-missile destroyer has recently left Jiangnan Shipyard on Shanghai's Changxing island to be fitted with electronic, radar and weapon systems, ahead of its expected deployment to the North Sea Fleet of the People's Liberation Army Navy in 2017, according to our sister newspaper, Want Daily. Equipped with active electronically scanned array radar, the Type 052D destroyer is currently China's most powerful surface combat vessel. It is referred as the Chinese Aegis because it has similar capabilities to the United States' Ar... more »

Three Chinese warships visit UK

Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 19 hours ago
[image: Changbaishan]China's 18th Naval Task Force visited Portsmouth Dockyard to conduct a five-day visit to the United Kingdom after their patrol mission in the Gulf of Aden on Jan. 12 according to London-based newspaper The Daily Mail. The task force consisted of three Chinese warships including the Changbaishan, a Type 071 amphibious assault ship, the Yuncheng, a Type 054A guided-missile frigate and the Chaohu, a Type 903 replenishment ship. Liu Xiaoming, the Chinese ambassador and hundreds of Chinese residents welcomed the ships into Portsmouth Naval Base holding Chinese flags... more »

Egypt Close To Buying 22 Rafale Fighters, 2 FREMM Frigates Worth Euro 6 Billion

Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 19 hours ago
[image: FREMM multi-mission frigate]Egypt and France are close to signing a 5 to 6 billion Euro contract for the sale of twenty Rafale and two FREMM multi-mission frigates. La Tribune newspaper said on its website today that a French delegation of the Treasury visited Cairo earlier this week to assess the security of Egypt in the event of an agreement with the French manufacturers. The Egyptians have responded positively to the questions and especially the expectations of the French delegation, the report said quoting reliable sources. Following the treasury delegation visit, the C... more »

These Are The Weapons That The F-35 Can Carry

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 20 hours ago
*(Click on Image to Enlarge)* *David Cenciotti, The Aviationist:* *The F-35 and its weapons suite* *WNU Editor*: More PR for a fighter jet that needs .... more PR.

USMC's F-35B can fire missiles when it comes online

Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 20 hours ago
[image: F-35B Lightning II]It is still up in the air whether the US Marine Corps will have combat-ready Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning IIs by its July 1 deadline for initial operational capability (IOC), but the first 10 jets are now fully cleared to fire weapons. The portion of the 2B software that manages weapons separation has completed the necessary testing, the Pentagon’s Joint Program Office (JPO) announced on 15 January. The F-35B’s software was validated after several weapons separation tests “The weapons development program continues to track forward on the plan laid out b... more »

ISIS Attacks USAF’s A-10 Warthog Aircraft With Strela Missiles: Iraqi News

Ko Savonije at Naval Open Source INTelligence - 20 hours ago
[image: SA-7 Grail (Strela)]Airstrikes carried out by the US on ISIS positions using the A-10 Warthog aircraft killed and wounded a number of terrorists near the village of Sultan Abdullah near Moshul in Iraq at dawn yesterday, Iraqi News reported. Quoting an unnamed source who witnessed the action, the report said that the aircraft carried out four airstrikes sparking panic in the ranks of ISIS after flying close to the ground. “Elements of the terrorist organization retaliated with 4 Strela missiles and but that did not cause the aircraft any damage, prompting the remaining eleme... more »

Why U.S. Soldiers Love The .50 Caliber Machine Gun

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 20 hours ago
*We Are The Mighty: 17 Photos That Show Why Troops Absolutely Love The .50 Caliber Machine Gun* *WNU Editor:* One more thing to put on my "bucket list".

Newswatch

Craig at Is the BBC biased? - 20 hours ago
While watching this week's *Newswatch *I was struck by how many times the phrase "the Prophet Muhammad" was used during the programme's first couple of minutes. Samira Ahmed said it twice and so, in a clip from a BBC report, did BBC reporter Hugh Schofield: There is, of course, the famous cartoon on the front page of the Prophet Muhammad. On the inside there are no other cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. Others have noted this strange and pervasive submission to Muslim sensibilities before. They've sometimes contrasted it with the fact that you *never* hear a BBC current affair... more »

The U.S. Air Force Tries To Retain Its Drone Pilots

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 22 hours ago
An MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle takes off from Creech Air Force Base, Nev., May 11, for a training sortie over the Nevada desert. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson) *ABC News:* *Air Force Moves to Ease Drone Pilot Shortfall and Heavy Workload* *WNU Editor:* The drone program is a victim of its success. Today .... having drones flying overhead during military operations, surveillance, targeted strikes .... what was fantasy a generation ago is now standard. Unfortunately .... the need has grown significantly, and the ability to retain drone pilots and operator... more »

America vs The Republican Party On Immigration Reform

DownWithTyranny at DownWithTyranny! - 22 hours ago
Steve King didn't hijack the GOP-- he just voices their collective id Wednesday Boehner caved to the Know Nothings and racists inside the Republican House Conference and let them get their way on a mass deportation bill. This is relatively popular in blood-red Republican districts, especially in the Old Confederacy, where bigotry and paranoia is as much a part of life as breathing and farting are. The problem for Boehner and less hatred-oriented Republicans in Congress, is that normal people do not support this action. Only two right-wing Democrats voted for it-- Blue Dogs Collin Pet... more »

Is Somalia On The Verge Of An Oil Boom?

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 23 hours ago
*Alex Dick-Godfrey, National Interest:** Somalia: The Next Oil Superpower?* *WNU Editor: *If estimates of over 100 billion barrels of oil are even remotely true (which I have doubts) .... Somalia is definitely not ready for an oil boom, and will probably not be ready for a number of years. Unfortunately .... the world is hungry for energy, and if these reserves are real and economical to exploit .... do not be surprise in the next few years to see rigs and platforms being established off the coast of Somalia, and a fight within Somalia itself on who will benefit from these riches. ... more »

Truce Announced By Some Of Libya's Militias

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 1 day ago
Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Bernardino Léon (10th from left) with delegates after the meeting of Libyan parties at UN Headquarters in Geneva. UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré *Reuters:* *Libya parties agree to more talks; two factions call ceasefire* *More News On Reports That Some of Libya's Different Factions Have Agreed To A Ceasefire And A 'Roadmap' To A Unity Government* Libyans at Geneva talks seek unity government -- Arab News/Reuters Libyan factions agree on agenda for talks -- Al Jazeera UN-brokered Libya talks result in agenda -- Press TV UN-facilitated Libyan... more »

It takes all kinds to make a world

Jody Paterson at A Closer Look: Jody Paterson - 1 day ago
An acquaintance made a comment recently to me about what it was like for me living in "the Third World." I've struggled for years to understand that term as something other than a euphemism for dirt poor and uncivilized, but it definitely isn't a phrase I'd use to describe Central America whatever the interpretation. Apparently the term was first used in the 1950s by people who grouped the world into countries that were leading the drive toward capitalism, those who believed in communism, and the "third world" that had not yet aligned with either side. But for most of my life... more »

King on Vietnam War

Bruce K. Gagnon at Organizing Notes - 1 day ago
MLK died for our collective sins in Vietnam and here at home where the poor were, and still are, ignored and repressed by the corporate oligarchy that controls our government. King was killed because he moved beyond civil rights into the peace movement as he could no longer ignore the great evil that Washington was committing in Vietnam and across the US. King had the courage to tell the truth knowing full well that his life would likely end. The nation besmirches King's memory by largely focusing on his early "I have a dream" period and by refusing to recognize and honor his pe... more »

Why The Nigerian Army Cannot Defeat Boko Haram

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 1 day ago
*Nic Robertson, CNN Senior International Correspondent:* *Nigerian military disorganized, under-equipped in battle against Boko Haram* *WNU Editor:* The above video .... if true .... explains why Nigeria cannot (and will not) defeat Boko Haram.

West African Leaders Want To Put Together A Multi-National Force To Fight Boko Haram

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 1 day ago
*Newsweek/Reuters: **West African Countries Seek Multi-National Force For Fight Against Boko Haram * *WNU Editor:* The Nigerian Army has clearly failed in their war against Boko Haram. A new strategy is necessary ... a fact that even most West African leaders are aware of, and who are also now worried that the conflict in Nigeria is going to spread to neighboring countries. *Update*: Here is some background information on the where/why/and how Boko Haram became violent over the years .... *The Group That Kidnapped 200 Nigerian Girls Started Out Peaceful. Here's What Changed* (Jenn... more »

Energy 32: Is the PH Power Supply Ready for the AEC?

Nonoy Oplas at Government and Taxes - 1 day ago
* This is my article for the maiden issue December 2014 of *ASEAN Voices*, pages 28-31. It is a new magazine based in Jakarta scouring important news and opinions about the region. The pdf copy is also posted in slideshare. ---------- The Asean Economic Community (AEC) is to begin operations by the end of 2015, as trade, investments, tourism and cultural exchanges are expected to see further increases among the member economies. However, ensuring an adequate and stable supply of electricity at affordable or competitive rates will pose a significant challenge to Asean economies. It i... more »

Men and Woeman on the hinge

Steve at Thinking Aboot - 1 day ago
I refuse to believe the may and December couples work without a lot of financial grease call me compromised There is just no fucking way in real life these young ones with so much going for' them marry people their fathers age talk about abuse all you want the daugthers marring fathers is a case in point.

voting the status quo

Steve at Thinking Aboot - 1 day ago
A death sentance 0 0 9 0 proven by not weasal words but history

There are so many ways to make a Fortuene and get oiut of town

Steve at Thinking Aboot - 1 day ago
Thats why despite the critics. Worms paid by bactreia, Fuck those we do not have a big enough gun to take out. The fact of the matter is that for cost constriants most of society is going that way.

Rum Sodomy and the Lash!

Steve at Thinking Aboot - 1 day ago
I got it for Christmas and its Brilliant! (Re Mastered) The phrase widely attributed to Sir Winston Churchill is a great metaphor for institutions bound by tradition that are countervailing windmalls of actual breeze compared to all the hot air that is the least efficient energy every generated emanating from the current holders of the tradition. Islam today is filling a void of dispossess Western values Zombies with Beards, Sodomy and the lash. When I say Islam today its pretty much like the USA today. A place where Honey Boo makes headlines and Nancy Grace is taken seriously. T... more »

Planting Seeds of Peace

Bruce K. Gagnon at Organizing Notes - 1 day ago
Video is from the MLK peace walk here in Washington state and flashes between the walk and Jeju Island where a large delegation from this region recently went to stand in solidarity with the people in South Korea. Today we did about 14-miles to the Ground Zero peace center (next door to Bangor nuclear submarine base) and had supper. Soon after arriving at the peace center an 81-year-old man arrived with US Marine patches on his clothes. He told us he used to work security at the Bangor sub base in the 1970's so we sat around and shared protest stories with him and talked politic... more »

The Great Invasion- Endocrine Disruptors and the Chemical Manipulation of Humanity

Penny at Penny for your thoughts - 1 day ago
I stumbled across this little documentary while searching for info on this topic.* It's less then 1 hour in length. Released in 2010*.* So nearly 5 years old now.* After watching it, I simply have to conclude that even more information/evidence has been gathered on this subject. * And yet, that information continues to fly right under the radar.* *While other big money making agendas are pushed to the point of absurdity!!!* *Oh, yes it's rant time! * *It is, or should be, abundantly clear that to reign in this intoxication (Poisoning by a drug or toxic substance) of all life on the ... more »

Swiss Business Leaders & Politicos at White House PROMISING US Job Creation??!

Penny at Penny for your thoughts - 1 day ago
* While taking down the Swiss economy? Right before the so called 'shocking' move by the Swiss bank, Swiss business leaders and politicians were at the Whitehouse, talking job creation, in the US??? What the hell!? * *Flashback to Thursday..* *Swiss National Bank moves to Ditch Euro Cap- Sending Shockwaves?* What's going on here? This seems to be a surprise? Of course, who really knows? Personally, I have a bit of a problem believing that any bank would make such a surprise move. *That's right, I was struggling to believe this was anything close to a "surprise"* *Then I got wind ... more »

USA and Allies' Support for Fundamentalist Extremists

thwap at thwap's schoolyard - 1 day ago
So, the first stage of getting a majority of Canadians to turn against the Great Bullshit War on Terror (GBWT) is to point out the important fact that Saudi Arabia, the USA's main ally in the Middle East (after Israel) funds extremist groups and that the USA employs them to destabilize countries with governments that imagine they can enjoy some form of autonomy. Because, if you're told that there's a war on fellah, ... some evil-doers are out to destroy your whole way of life, ... and they don't respect borders or laws of war, or anything, and they use our protections and democrat... more »

Jeb's Kicking Off His Campaign in Florida with School Choice Week

freetoteach at Schools Matter - 1 day ago
To put the final nail in the coffin of public education, elect Jeb Bush. Jeb's kicking off his campaign in Florida with School Choice Week SOURCE National School Choice Week *School choice supporters to ring in National School Choice Week 2015 with Official Kickoff at Florida Theatre, January 23, 2015.* *US Sen. John McCain, Joe Trippi, Rev. HK Matthews, Superstar Athlete Desmond Howard to headline first of 11,000+ events nationwide* JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The largest celebration of school choice in US history will officially start on Friday, Jan... more »

borobudur

Oberon at GlobaLove Think Tank - 1 day ago
You yourself must strive. The Buddhas only point the way. Those meditative ones who tread the path are released from the bonds of Mara. Buddha

In A Break From The Past, Afghan President Ghani's New Government Will Not Include Former Warlords And Mujahideen Leaders

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 1 day ago
Afghan President Hamid Karzai (C) speaks during celebrations to commemorate Afghanistan's 95th anniversary of independence as he is flanked by presidential candidates Abdullah Abdullah (R) and Ashraf Ghani in Kabul in this August 19, 2014 file photo. Credit: Reuters/Omar Sobhani/Files *Reuters:* *Afghan leader seeks to sideline powerful bloc in break with past* *WNU Editor:* If I was Afghan President Ghani, I would be tripling my security detail. He has just alienated those who have ruled Afghanistan for the past 12 years .... and they are not happy. What's my take .... these corr... more »

Tonight's Movie Is 'Too Late the Hero' (1970)

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 1 day ago
From* YouTube*: A reluctant hero, American Lt. Sam Lawson, is secunded to a motley British unit tasked with destroying a Japanese radio on a Philippine island. *My Comment:* This is actually an enjoyable film .... not a great film .... but enjoyable. A number of top stars in this film .... Michael Caine, Henry Fonda, Cliff Robertson, Ken Takakura, Denholm Elliott, Ian Bannen, Lance Percival, Ronald Fraser, Harry Andrews and Percy Herbert. .... which made it even more fun to watch.

Say you're a guest at a N. Korean gov't do. When the check comes, how much do you tip?

KenInNY at DownWithTyranny! - 1 day ago
*Dinner with General Kim:* *When he invites you, makesure you've got your wallet on you -- possibly with cash.* *"[Director of National Intelligence James] Clapper said he dined with [Gen.] Kim [Yong Chol, head of North Korea's Reconnaissance General Bureau] during a secret mission to Pyongyang in November to retrieve two Americans being held by the North Koreans. 'General Kim,' he said, 'spent the entire meal berating me about American aggression' and kept 'pointing his finger at my chest.' "* *-- the *Washington Post *'s Ellen Nakashima, reportinglast week on the International C... more »

National Security Is Food Security: Corbett Report - Solutions: Guerrilla Gardening

Saman Mohammadi at The Excavator - 1 day ago
*Photo: Havana, Cuba. Source.* *Video Title: Solutions: Guerrilla Gardening. Source: Corbett Report. Date Published: January 13, 2015. Description:* The problems are obvious: food safety scandals, the death of family farming, food supply insecurity, the revolving door between corporate lobbyists and government regulators, and many more. The soluion should be equally obvious: rolling up our sleeves and getting in the garden. Join us today as we explore this simple, natural solution to one of our most fundamental problems. "There are also the inherent dangers posed by the insane pra... more »

The 48 Most Essential Healing Herbs

Waking Times at Waking Times - 1 day ago
*Waking Times - *This article will provide you with the basic information about some well-known benefits of common healing herbs and botanicals. The post The 48 Most Essential Healing Herbs appeared first on Waking Times.

A Talk by the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran

Saman Mohammadi at The Excavator - 1 day ago
Ahmed Shaheed, a Maldivian diplomat and politician, is the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Iran. "There is no good argument for us to try to undercut, undermine the negotiations until they've played themselves out . . .Congress needs to show patience . . *My main message to Congress is: 'Just hold your fire*'. . . Congress should be aware that if this diplomatic solution fails, then the risks and likelihood that this ends up being, at some point, a military confrontation is heightened. And Congress will have to own that as well." - *President Obama. Reuters, "... more »

"A Look to the Heavens"

noreply@blogger.com (CoyotePrime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 1 day ago
“How did spiral galaxy ESO 510-13 get bent out of shape? The disks of many spirals are thin and flat, but not solid. Spiral disks are loose conglomerations of billions of stars and diffuse gas all gravitationally orbiting a galaxy center. A flat disk is thought to be created by sticky collisions of large gas clouds early in the galaxy's formation. *Click image for larger size.* Warped disks are not uncommon, though, and even our own Milky Way Galaxy is thought to have a small warp. The causes of spiral warps are still being investigated, but some warps are thought to result from int... more »

Chet Raymo, "A New Creation"

noreply@blogger.com (CoyotePrime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 1 day ago
*"A New Creation"* by Chet Raymo "The famous C-major fortissimo chord of Haydn's "The Creation" oratorio, the glorious sunburst of sound that comes in response to the whispered words, "And there was light," is an apt evocation of the modern astronomer's big bang. Still, we have learned a lot since Herschel's time about the universe's beginning and probable end. Maybe it's time for a musical update. For example, Haydn's triumphant C-major chord comes five minutes into the oratorio, after a prelude of shadowy notes representing the unformed flux out of which God created the world. W... more »

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- January 16, 2015

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 1 day ago
*Ray Sanchez, Laura Smith-Spark and Jethro Mullen, CNN* -- *Terror cell warning as Europe scrambles to handle threats* *Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- January 16, 2015* In Belgium and France, marginalised Muslims fight in Syria ‘out of despair’ -- EurActiv I was a prisoner of the Islamic State -- Jakob Sheikh and Morten Skjoldager, Mashable US, Iranian opponents could blow up nuclear negotiations -- Barbara Slavin. Al Jazeera A quiet revolution in North Korea -- Stephen Evans, BBC China: The Influence of History -- Michael D. Swaine, The Diplomat Obama's Libya Fiasc... more »

The Poet: Robinson Jeffers, "Love That (Not Man Apart From That)"

noreply@blogger.com (CoyotePrime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 1 day ago
*"Love That (Not Man Apart From That)"* "Then what is the answer?— Not to be deluded by dreams. To know that great civilizations have broken down into violence, and their tyrants come, many times before. When open violence appears, to avoid it with honor or choose the least ugly faction; these evils are essential. To keep one’s own integrity, be merciful and uncorrupted and not wish for evil; and not be duped By dreams of universal justice or happiness. These dreams will not be fulfilled. To know this, and know that however ugly the parts appear the whole remains beautiful. A severed han... more »

"Remembering Now..."

noreply@blogger.com (CoyotePrime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 1 day ago
“You think you will never forget any of this, you will remember it always just the way it was. But you can't remember it the way it was. To know it, you have to be living in the presence of it right as it is happening. It can return only by surprise. Speaking of these things tells you that there are no words for them that are equal to them or that can restore them to your mind. And so you have a life that you are living only now, now and now and now, gone before you can speak of it, and you must be thankful for living day by day, moment by moment, in this presence. But you have a li... more »

"Sometime In Your Life..."

noreply@blogger.com (CoyotePrime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 1 day ago
"Sometime in your life, hope that you might see one starved man, the look on his face when the bread finally arrives. Hope that you might have baked it or bought or even kneaded it yourself. For that look on his face, for your meeting his eyes across a piece of bread, you might be willing to lose a lot, or suffer a lot, or die a little, even." ~ Daniel Berrigan

"A Lion Fight..."

noreply@blogger.com (CoyotePrime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 1 day ago
"It's good to be scared. It means you still have something to lose. So chin up. Put your shoulders back, walk proud, strut a little. Don't lick your wounds: celebrate them. The scars you bear are the signs of a competitor. You're in a lion fight. Just because you didn't win doesn't mean you don't know how to roar." - "Dr. Meredith Grey", "Grey's Anatomy"

“Some Things You Need To Know”

noreply@blogger.com (CoyotePrime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 1 day ago
*“Some Things You Need To Know”* by Marc “I know you’re reading this. And I want you to know I’m writing this for you. Others will be confused. They will think I’m writing this for them. But I’m not. This one’s for you. I want you to know that life is not easy. Every day is an unpredictable challenge. Some days it can be difficult to simply get out of bed in the morning. To face reality and put on that smile. But I want you to know, your smile has kept me going on more days than I can count. Never forget that, even through the toughest times, you are incredible. You really are. So... more »

The Daily "Near You?"

noreply@blogger.com (CoyotePrime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 1 day ago
Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Thanks for stopping by.

The Economy: "The SS World Economy Versus The Derivatives Wave"

noreply@blogger.com (CoyotePrime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 1 day ago
*"The SS World Economy Versus The Derivatives Wave"* “The Perfect Storm” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9Tdw5nG4dQ "The Horrific $1.5 QUADRILLION Derivatives Bubble" - http://coyoteprime-runningcauseicantfly.blogspot.com/ "Presenting The $303 Trillion In Derivatives That US Taxpayers Are Now On The Hook For" - http://coyoteprime-runningcauseicantfly.blogspot.com/ “Derivatives: "$1.566 QUADRILLION, and Counting..." - http://coyoteprime-runningcauseicantfly.blogspot.com/ Any questions?

RCMP Negotiating Regime unconstitutional -- Mounties can unionize

James C Morton at Morton's Musings - 1 day ago
http://scc-csc.lexum.com/scc-csc/scc-csc/en/item/14577/index.do

Jan. 16 1/2: We're in trouble...

Graeme Decarie at The Moncton Times@Transcript - Good and Bad - 1 day ago
This is not about Irving press. It starts with the news that the Conservatives are leading in the polls with 35%. And, given where they are strong, that puts Harper close to a majority government. The Liberals are behind, the NDP way behind, that the Greens out of sight. I have often thought that the re-election of this government would be the end of Canada. I still think so. 1. This is a government of no depth at all. There is no figure in the government who has even a hint of stature or independence. And Harper would never tolerate such a person. 2. A powerful influence in the ... more »

"How It Really Is"

noreply@blogger.com (CoyotePrime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 1 day ago
“More Than Half Of American Schoolchildren Now Live In Poverty” - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ A UN report claimed that worldwide, every single night, 30,000 children die from starvation, while the very few have so very much. There are no words, really, beyond comprehension and sanity....

World News Briefs -- January 16, 2015 (Evening Edition)

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 1 day ago
*Reuters:* *Dozens held across Europe in Islamist suspect sweeps* *Wall Street Journal:* *Raids in France, Belgium, Germany Net Suspects in Separate Terror Probes* *French Arrest 12 Believed to Have Aided Gunmen in Charlie Hebdo, Kosher Grocery Attacks* *MIDDLE EAST* Syria training program could involve *1,000-plus US troops*. Iraq attacks kill 17, including 8 *in village retaken from IS*. Eleven more air strikes hit Islamic State *in Syria, Iraq: U.S. military*. ICC to probe possible* war crimes in Palestine*. Lebanon boosts security *outside French embassy*. Turkey PM likens ... more »

President Obama: 'I Will Veto Any New Iranian Sanctions'

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 1 day ago
*ABC News:* *President Obama Vows to Veto New Iran Sanctions* *WNU Editor:* President Obama wants a few more months to see where negotiations with Iran will go .... I expect Congress will give him the time that he needs (albeit reluctantly). But he (and Iran) are now on notice, and if these talks fail in the coming months, President Obama and his allies will be in a difficult political situation to say no to additional sanctions. In short .... the political pressure for results is now on. *Update #1:* Some Democrat senators are not happy with this delay .... *Obama-Menendez dispu... more »

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